DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS
Christmas season can be an incredibly meaningful time. Like the song goes, we are dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones we used to know, where those treetops glisten and children listen, to hear sleigh bells in the snow. Amidst all our activities, may we take time to read the Christmas story from the Gospels and sing carols. Most of all, may we take the time to reflect on His coming and all the spiritual blessings and benefits we have received from the Lord. Jesus came as a Prince of Peace. His kingdom was not of this world. He came to rule over our hearts and minds. He was born to die. He was the Lamb of God who died to bring us forgiveness, salvation and reconcile us to God. And, He will come again in glory and power to claim His bride – the church and later to establish His Kingdom on earth.
Make every gift meaningful
In spite of all the commercialism, Christmas season is about giving. Christmas is a good time to pursue a life of generosity. This is because God so loved the world that He gave the very best for all of us: He initiated a very special gift - His Son Jesus. May we take this time of the year to honour and reflect this great gift that was given to all of us. It is because of this gift that we too follow suit by giving.
As we go about giving gifts, let us make every gift meaningful by wrapping it up in swaddling clothes of love and humility. Let us also share our love with people who cannot return it back.
Break out of the financial trap
One doesn’t necessarily need to have money or give expensive gifts. Even when we give inexpensive gifts, if our heart is right, people will pick it up and appreciate our gifts. They will connect with our intention and goodwill. We can give in many ways. For example, we can volunteer our time, talents and services to reach out to people who are going through stress, pressure and brokenness. Christmas season is a time when a lot of people experience acute pain and sorrow, even the pain of their lost loved ones who are not in person to celebrate Christmas. We can reach out to those people and make them feel special.
Create our own family traditions
This time of the year, as we celebrate the light of the world, we can create our own family traditions. We spend a lot time, money and energy in decorating our homes, shops and business centres with Christmas trees and lights. John 1:4-5 reads, “Life came into being because of Him, for his life is light for all humanity. And this Living Expression is the Light that bursts through gloom – the Light that darkness could not diminish!” We can share the Christmas light by initiating certain things in honour, memory and love of people who are not around with us to celebrate Christmas. We can share the Christmas light with the less fortunate and those who are lonely, hurting and agonising in silence.
Bring more spiritual meaning to the season
Christmas season gives all of us the opportunity to encounter God in a deep accelerated way like Mary, Joseph, shepherds and the wisemen experienced. All of them had deep, life changing encounters with God. Mary heard the prophetic word given to her by the angel and believed those words with her whole heart. As a result, she was entrusted in bringing forth the Messiah of this world.
In the same manner, Joseph obeyed the directions given to him through dreams and acted on them. Thus, Joseph was entrusted with raising and protecting the Saviour of this world. The Shepherds heard from the angelic host the great message of Christmas –“Peace on earth and goodwill toward mankind” and connected with God first-hand when they saw and worshipped the Baby Jesus. The Wisemen, who were directed by a Star, too had their unique experiences and opportunity to connect and worship God. Peace and joy came to them in different yet specific ways, as they offered gifts to the Son of God. As they exchanged their earthy gifts for the eternal gift that God gave them in the form of Jesus Christ the King.
Jesus came so that we could have divine connection with God. God gave the most precious gift on Christmas day – giving us His Son Jesus, which reminds us of the immense value He has placed on each one of us and the bond He wants to create with all of us. When we accept that gift of Jesus Christ, we too can have peace, joy, rest and confidence that surpass all human understanding through Christ Jesus. The peace and prosperity that meet our every need in Christ Jesus.
Jesus came into this world so that we will get our highest priority and most important goal in life right which is to love God and love people. As the song goes, may this Christmas season be filled with peace,purpose and joy.
“I am dreaming of a white Christmas With every Christmas card I write. May your days be merry and bright And may all your Christmases be white.”
Sent by - Timothy A. Edward